Virginia AG suing Henrico hotel for 'bait and switch' of room rates

The Attorney General's Office is suing a Henrico hotel for alleged violations of the "bait and switch" statute.

Attorney General Mark Herring is suing GRM Management LLC, the company that operates the Richmond Magnuson Grand Hotel and Convention Center. Herring said the hotel has, on several occasions, confirmed room rates with customers before their arrival - but then raised the rates or claimed the requested room was no longer available when the customer checked in.

Herring said at least 29 customers were overcharged about $50 a person while attending a dance festival in August 2013.

"Virginia consumers have every right to expect that agreements will be honored when it comes time for delivery of goods and services," said Attorney General Herring.

The suit seeks to award
restitution to any affected customers, to award civil penalties of up to $2,500 per willful violation and reimbursement of court costs.